Shrek is leaving the swamp with his gaggle of friends to bring giggles to audiences at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto.

"Shrek the Musical," which opened on Broadway in 2009, is based on the story and characters from Wiliam Steig's book Shrek! as well as the DreamWorks Animation film of the same name.

It tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land.

The role of Shrek is performed by Perry Sook of Dallas, Texas, who counts acting, singing, dancing and modeling among his theatrical talents.

"It's great to play a super star like Shrek because people already know what to expect and we like to keep it very close to the character that people know and love," Sook said, adding that there are 19 original songs in the score. "We are really able to flush out the back story of the characters."

Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, the unlikely big green hero fights a fearsome dragon and rescues a feisty princess.

"Seeing a giant dragon fly around the stage is truly a miraculous event," Sook said, who wears seven pounds of makeup for his role and layers on more than 50 pounds of costume. "The show is visually stunning."

"Shrek the Musical" is directed by Tim Hatley and Chris Bailey has recreated original choreography. Sets and costumes are based on Tony Award winning design by Tim Hatley.

"We are thrilled to send Shrek the Musical to theatres across the country and for American families to experience their favorite orgre and fairy tale creates live on stage," Bill Damaschke, president of DreamWorks Theatricals, said.

Tickets are on sale now for the five shows in Modesto, which begin the weekend of March 8.

Tickets start at $29 but Gallo Center for the Arts marketing and public relations manager Kristy Tibbs announced a special offer for the show.

"Buy an adult ticket, get a kids ticket free, for any performance," she said. "It's only available by phone or in person at the ticket office - not online."